River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-05-12

nAAEAt elt listu d4EtAuA pAsttc'i tilt htA
Then she leaned painting against the
wall. and listened to the movements OF
the entrapped burglar.
Tor a few moments there was per-
feet stiffness. a if he were trying to
realize the meaning of that click OF
the lock; then she heard him 90 to the
door and turn the handle. first softly.
then louder and louder. Maud clasped
her hands tightly together, feeling
almost hysterical between laughter and
nervousness. Then the rafting stopped,
and voice said slowly:
Miss Eastabrook. Are you still
there?'
lies" answered Maud holding her
breath
..You are not aware that YOU have
locked me in?''
Maud hesitated for an instant But
since the explanation must come, it
might a well come at once. Yes,
she answered, clearly; Il did it in
tentionally.'
..In-deed.' the blended accent of
/ his words made her feel hysterical
again. Perhaps you would not mind
telling me why YOU did it?''
because YOU are a burglar,
answered the girl, coueiesly.
There was an indistinct mutter
which might or might not have been an
eXpletiVe Then after a silence, the
voice enguired, quite formally; And
might ask You what YOU intend to do
with me2"
Keep You shut up here until my
brother or the gardener comes back;
and then
Yes. and then
Then. replied Maud. with sud-
den inspiration. 1--WE will let you 60 if
You will 20 peaceably.
There was a sound of suppressed
laughter at this Then the voice re-
Joined. politely: Thanks. will
give you amy assurances YOU require"
Maud went downto the dining-room,
where she busted herself in packing
basket. After this, returning upstairs.
she called to her prisoner;
.NIr-Mr. Folliott.
..Yes9''
If YOU will open the closet you will
find a rope. Please let it down and we
will send YOU up some supper
The stranger obeycd and well fill
ed basket was soon lifted through the
window into hi> room. Maud hoSpita-
bly, hoped he had every thing he wish
Ell.
Thanks; not quite. was the deliber-
ate answer If l might ask for cou-
pie of Toms cigars27
Tom indeed, the wretch" common
tel Toms sister to herself. Then
aloud: ..Oh. certainly. if you will let
the basket down a@aiu.
At this point Mrs. EStabrook remon-
>trated ..Realy, Maud. that is too
muchr'
.-Oh. mamma. anything to keep him
quiet and good-tompered. said Maud.
and you know ne wa, 20 have taken
ten with H..
But il he should burn the house
down smoking them anNiJusly sug-
geSted her mother
We'll, perhaps its safer to give him
something to use his matches with,
answered Maud. with mastery stroke
OF logic ..And they always DO have
matches, She concluded. Indefinitely.
Her reasoning carried the day, 50 the
cigar went up and the rope came down.
for this was point on which Maud was
firm She had no intention of leaving
that rope in their burglarioUs visitor
possession.
The evening waned, and still there
was no sign Of Peter return. Thetwo
ladies did not dream of sleeping. but
kept watch throughout the night in the
room adjoining that of their prisoner,
bracing thcmsclvci with strong tea for
their task Ii " weary work. how
ever. and the minutes crpt ~lowlyinto
the small hours.
The hall clock had Just struck the
quarter before , when the silence of
the house was disturbed by little sound
which seemed preternaturally loud to
their strained ears. Mrs. Estabrook
sat erect To listen, while Maud turned
up the glimmering lamp. Again came
the sound. slight but distinct, scratch,
~cratch-iilc, file.
MAUD. what isthatnoise?' said Mrs.
EstabroOk. with the calmnesS of despair.
Maud declined to commit herself pre-
maturely.
.Maude. said her mother again. Its
down NJ the piazza window. lists
confederate of thatman in there. @.
don't tell me, Know
Maud fruwned thoughtfully. Her
mothers idea was only too plausible.
Hell get in and let the other one
out" pursued Mrs. Estabrook. breath
Ics~ly; ..and then they'll 20 through
the house. and rob and murder Us all.
/ O dear, Oh-h,''
Don't mamma dear! pray don't
eutrcatcd Maud. a. the poor lady. over
whelmed by her own picture. showed
SIGNS of becoming historical, and
uttered several small screams. Upon
I this. the occupant of the next room,
who hitherto had given no sign Of life.
began to knock on the door between
I the two chambers. Maud drew near.
and the following conversation took
place:
Miss EStabrook'"
I Yes
Excuse me. but is anything wrung?"
Maud heSitated Mrs. E>tabrook
meantime had checked herself and was
holding her breath to listen. Receiv-
in@ no answer hcPresently spoke again.
What Is that noise | hear down.
stairs?''
we don't know, said Maud;
/ ..but-
But WHAT i that what is alarm
ing you2''
Maud considered. I'VE are afraid it
Is IA burglar.
What. Another?~ exclaimed the
stranger. Then he checked himself.
Don't you think you'd better send me
To dispose Of him?' he suggested, with
an admirable assum ption of the bold
ness Of innocence.
Maud-' sharply protested Mrs.
E>tabrOok.
tone moment. mamma, relOined
her daughter Il am not sure. She
turned To- the door again. You are
quite certain he Is not an-an-an-asSiStant
Of vours2'' She asked, in the politest
terms She could select.
Let me ont. and you shall see. Up
on my honor" Here the words
We're iost in 4 stihed sound.
is the man laughing demanded
Mrs. EstabrooS. in angry amaze; then
aS n new suspicion entered her mind